Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
Next start date
2026 Semester One - 19 Jan 2026
Available locations
Online
Points
150
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

Enter a profession where the demand for teachers is high in New Zealand and overseas. Gain an internationally-recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject.

Our programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to support young children in their learning and development from birth to the age of five. You will gain hands-on experience working in a range of early childhood settings where building responsive and inclusive relationships is key.

You will undertake three practicum placements adding up to a total of 17 weeks in a range of early childhood centres, supported by experienced teachers and university supervisors. You can read practicum FAQs here.

The diploma is shaped by a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, relational pedagogies, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Content includes learning about Te Āo Māori and basic te reo Māori. You will learn alongside a diverse range of students and be taught basic proficiency in te reo Māori.

The programme will prepare you to become an effective early childhood teacher and support you as you prepare for your transition into the teaching profession. By the end of the programme, you will be familiar with the New Zealand early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki and a range of appropriate pedagogy for teaching within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will be eligible to apply for provisional certification as a practising early childhood teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In 2026, the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is only available to domestic students and only available online. For more information, including practicum requirements, visit the Online Graduate Diploma Teaching page.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching students are eligible for the external TeachNZ Scholarships. Find out more and apply.

Before you begin your teaching journey, there are a few key steps you need to complete, so we recommend applying early. Read about the process on our Info for applicants page.

If you have any questions or need help with any aspects of application
or enrolment, please visit auckland.ac.nz/askus

Programme structure

This is a 150 point initial teacher education programme that combines theory and practice. The programme can either be completed in one intensive year that is the equivalent to 1.25 years of full-time study or part-time over 2 years.

Professional experience

Professional experience (also known as practicum) is a large component of this programme. You will work alongside experienced teachers in a range of early childhood centres and organisations during practicum placements.

2026
Semester One intake:

  • EDPRAC 613 Practicum One: 2 February – 27 February
  • EDPRAC 613 Practicum Two: 18 May – 26 June 
  • EDPRAC 614 Practicum Three (Centre C): 12 October – 27 November 

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Full-time 1 Year

1 Year 150 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 605
    Name:
    The Early Years Teacher
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFST 607
    Name:
    The Relational Worlds of Children
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 601
    Name:
    Creative Arts - Early Years
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 623
    Name:
    Investigation and Exploration
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 613
    Name:
    Professional Practice 1: Early Childhood Education
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 614
    Name:
    Professional Practice 2: Early Childhood Education
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 624
    Name:
    Curriculum and Pedagogy
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 600
    Name:
    Literacies, Languages and Cultures
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUC 603
    Name:
    Education after Society
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFM 600
    Name:
    Te Ao Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCM 199
    Name:
    Te Reo Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCSW 199
    Name:
    English Language Competency
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts

Part-time 2 Years

Year 1 75 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 605
    Name:
    The Early Years Teacher
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 613
    Name:
    Professional Practice 1: Early Childhood Education
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 601
    Name:
    Creative Arts in the Early Years
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCM199
    Name:
    Te Reo Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 600
    Name:
    Languages, Literacies, Cultures
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUC 603
    Name:
    Education After Society
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCM199
    Name:
    Te Reo Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts

Year 2 75 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 607
    Name:
    Relational Worlds of Children
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 623
    Name:
    Investigation and Exploration
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFM600
    Name:
    Te Ao Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    7.5 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 624
    Name:
    Curriculum and Pedagogy
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 614
    Name:
    Professional Practice 2: Early Childhood Education
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFM600
    Name:
    Te Ao Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    7.5 pts

Where could this programme take you?

While many graduates go on to teach in early childhood settings in New Zealand or overseas, the programme will also provide you with transferable skills that can be applied to a range of careers. By already holding a bachelors degree you will be eligible to start on a higher step of the salary scale in services covered by the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) teaching collective agreement for early childhood teachers.

Jobs related to this programme

  • ECE teacher
  • Hospital play specialist
  • Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
  • Learning designer
  • Researcher
  • Education consultant
  • Curriculum developer

Further study options

See all study options

Student career planning service

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